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Modern Precision to 62RI conversion project

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Popmann, Jun 25, 2008.

  1. Jun 25, 2008 #1
    Popmann

    Popmann

    Sep 8, 2004
    Twangville
    Ok, I'm trying to limit the number of basses I have...I've got a 4 string 62RI P bass that sounds marvelous, but is a 4 string and doesn't like high tension strings like I like...and a new American Std P5, which plays like a dream, but has significantly more high end to the sound--and just isn't as tonally "perfect" in a mix, compared with the 62RI.

    Same woods--Alder, rosewood neck. Finish is different, but I would think the 62's nitro would let MORe high end resonate...not less...

    Bridge is different, but the new one can at least be strung through the body OR through the bridge. I've tried both.

    So, electronics. Pickups: totally different. I've been told by the dealer that Fender's Custom Shop will not sell custom parts, even though you can buy the 62RI PU retail, they would not be willing to wind a 5 string version for me. Spoke to Lindy Fralin--he said he's not tooled up to wind a 5 string P PU and wasn't sure how different his was from Fender's stock winding. It's been suggested that I call Duncan's custom shop, who probably can get the specs of the 62 PU from Fender and custom wind one. Maybe I will.

    But, then there's the tone cap. Maybe some of you electronics gurus can sort this out for me: the 62 has a large orange plastic (mylar?) cap with the following on it:

    ic
    .1k
    250S

    and the Amercian Std 5 has a cheapy ceramic cap that reads:

    ic
    503z (or 5032 maybe)

    I'd like to get those to match as best before betting into the PU custom winding, since they do sound so similar when you roll a LOT of highs out of the modern one on the board.

    Ideas? Suggestions?
     
  2. Jun 25, 2008 #2
    mikezimmerman

    mikezimmerman Supporting Member

    Apr 29, 2001
    Omaha, Nebraska
    I can't help you with the cap, but another thing you might double-check (if you haven't already) is the pot values for the volume and tone controls. The way I understand it, if the P5 pots have higher resistance (500K vs. 250K, for instance), that might account for a bit of the added brightness.

    Mike
     
  3. Jun 25, 2008 #3
    Popmann

    Popmann

    Sep 8, 2004
    Twangville
    Sorry--forgot to post. Both have 250k pots.
     
  4. Jun 25, 2008 #4
    4StringTheorist

    4StringTheorist Supporting Member

    Jan 19, 2008
    near Ft. Worth, TX, U.S.A.
    Sounds like your capacitor might be look similar to these? It's hard for me to tell, but I'll guess from the labeling on that cap in your 62RI that it's a .1µF capacitor.

    As for the pickup, 5 string P pickups aren't the most popular production model out there. Your desire to closely emulate that 62RI throws out some stock pickups like Bartolini and Delano that definitely aren't aiming for an emulation of vintage Fender tone.

    Take a look at the Nordstrand NP5. The stated design goal on that one is vintage P, just with 5 strings. Might be 100% what you're looking for! :)

    Another possibility is a 5 string P model supposedly produced by Bill Lawrence. I can't find it on their site at all, but one TBer says they exist.
     
  5. Jun 26, 2008 #5
    Popmann

    Popmann

    Sep 8, 2004
    Twangville
    Yes, that is what the cap looks like--albeit different labeling.
     
  6. Jun 26, 2008 #6
    PSPookie

    PSPookie

    Aug 13, 2006
    Albuquerque, NM
    Tell me more about this. I've been considering an NP5 myself.

    Anyone out there have sound clips?

    I may just start out with a 500k pot and a 0.1 micro farad cap. I figured that would leave me with the option for a nice, bright high end that I could roll off for a thumpier sound. Any thoughts?
     
  7. Jun 26, 2008 #7
    4StringTheorist

    4StringTheorist Supporting Member

    Jan 19, 2008
    near Ft. Worth, TX, U.S.A.
    10 seconds with Google netted me this TalkBass thread about the NP5 and one Harmony Central review of the NP5.

    Wiser minds than mine will have to comment on your 500K pot / .1µF cap plan.
     
  8. Jun 26, 2008 #8
    PSPookie

    PSPookie

    Aug 13, 2006
    Albuquerque, NM
    Thanks, I tend to use the TB search function ("NP5" is too short and "Nordstrand" is too broad) and forget all about Google.
     
  9. Jun 26, 2008 #9
    Nedmundo

    Nedmundo Supporting Member

    Jan 7, 2005
    Philadelphia
    I'm sure the Nordstrand is great, but you should call Seymour Duncan too. I believe Mike Lull uses custom made Duncans in his P5, which I think sounds similar to the Fender '62 RI. I haven't played them side-by-side, but they've produced similar impressions when I have played them. Now that Fender makes its own P5, Duncan will probably offer a production model soon.
     
  10. Jun 27, 2008 #10
    PSPookie

    PSPookie

    Aug 13, 2006
    Albuquerque, NM
    Also, does anyone know if the NP5 is d drop-in replacement or would additional routing be necesary?
     
  11. Jul 5, 2008 #11
    Popmann

    Popmann

    Sep 8, 2004
    Twangville
    FYI. No on the Duncans. They wanted to rewind the current pickup...they don't have a cover--same issue Lindy Fralin had, and frankly, if I'm paying someone to custom wind me a PU, he's gonna get the biz from me for being a good guy and doing an AMAZING job on Strat PUs.

    Current thought is buying one of these:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120266355342

    --risk the $25 that the cover fits. If it gets here and it's the right dimensions, send it off to Lindy to wind.

    Anyone know anything about these PUs? Any reason this might be a bad idea?